Running surface for a cross-country ski or similar generic ski and cross-country ski or similar generic ski equipped therewith

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a running surface for a cross-country ski or similar generic ski, which running surface has a climbing aid profile within a part-portion of its length to prevent backward sliding, which comprises a plurality of consecutive step profiles in the longitudinal direction of the running surface, which are of a saw tooth design as viewed in longitudinal section through the running surface. A flank height of the saw tooth step profiles extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface increases or decreases continuously or discontinuously by reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface. Also specified is a cross-country ski or similar generic ski equipped with this running surface. The features proposed by the invention result in an improved ratio between the gliding and kick-off behaviour of the running surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a running surface for a cross-country ski or similar generic ski as well as a cross-country ski or similar generic ski equipped with this running surface, as defined in claims 1 and 15.

In the case of cross-country skis, which are often also referred to as backcountry skis, it is standard practice to provide a so-called climbing aid in the middle or central longitudinal portion of the running surface, which is intended to produce a kick-off effect with respect to the snow underneath and generate a kicking resistance in order to assist forward propulsion on flat or slightly inclined terrain. This climbing aid is primarily effective during the kick-off phase of the locomotion sequence. During the gliding phase, this climbing aid should not be in contact with the snow underneath or should be so as little as possible in order to obtain the best possible gliding values. During this gliding phase, it is mainly the front and rear gliding zones of the cross-country ski which are in contact with the snow. A known way of obtaining this climbing aid is to apply climbing wax to the middle longitudinal portion of a smooth or non-profiled running surface. This climbing aid may also be provided in the form of pelt-type parts which prevent backward sliding. These pelt-type parts can be connected to the running surface when needed, and in particular can be bonded to it.

Another known approach is to provide the climbing aid or kick-off aid in the form of a permanent climbing aid profile incorporated in the running surface of the ski body, in particular by means of milling or incisions. Such climbing aid profiles and methods of producing such climbing aid profiles in a running surface are known from patent specifications DE 23 46 235 A1, FR 2 352 563 A1, FR 2 540 001 A1, DD 260 224 A or EP 0 592 384 A2, for example. The first ones of the above-mentioned publications disclose climbing aid profiles of the type intended to afford the best possible clawing action and thus generate as high as possible a kick-off resistance with respect to the underlying snow.

In the case of EP 0 592 384 A2, primary and secondary steps are disposed in pairs and have kick-off edges of different heights. Accordingly, a secondary step is disposed respectively in the flatly rising area of the primary step ramps in the longitudinal direction of the ski, and the kick-off edge of the secondary step lies deeper than the kick-off edge of the primary step ramp. This is intended to produce a better ratio between the kick-off and gliding ability of the ski. This previously known design is intended to offer improved kick-off and gliding ability under all snow conditions. However, for certain users, the performance which can be achieved is only satisfactory under certain conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The underlying objective of this invention, therefore, is to propose a running surface for a cross-country ski or backcountry ski or similar generic ski, which has an optimised ratio between kick-off and gliding behaviour and thus offers the highest possible performance.

This objective is achieved by the invention on the basis of a running surface as defined in claim 1 and by a cross-country ski or similar generic ski as defined in claim 15. The resultant advantage is that a running surface and cross-country ski is obtained, which has improved kick-off and gliding behaviour and an improved ratio between kick-off and gliding ability. Amongst other things, the running surface proposed by the invention is correlated with the bending strength characteristic curve or arch or pre-tensioning of the cross-country ski or its gliding board body. In particular, such a running surface takes account of the fact that at least one end or both ends of the climbing aid profile can tend to come into contact with the underlying snow early or relatively soon. By contrast, the part-portion of the running surface which lies in the region of the maximum arch or pre-tensioning height of the gliding board body does not come into contact with the snow until an impulsive kick-off load is applied by the user or a strong one-sided load is imparted by the user's body weight. The running surface proposed by the invention, the step profiles of which have a flank height which continuously or discontinuously increases or decreases by reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface, makes allowance for the fact that a different contact or compressive load is applied to the running surface in different longitudinal portions of the running surface in a specific way. An optimum sliding and climbing behaviour is obtained from the outset as a result because those portions which frequently come into contact with the ground in both the kick-off and gliding phase have a low flank height. The longitudinal portions of the running surface which as a rule are only in contact with the ground when there is a stronger one-sided load or during impulsive kick-offs, on the other hand, are designed with relatively pronounced step profiles, in other words step profiles with a relatively high flank height. These relatively large or coarsely structured step profiles are only used when increased kick-off resistance is actually necessary or increased resistance to backward sliding is needed by the user. The continuous or discontinuous increase or decrease in the flank height by reference to the total longitudinal extension of the climbing aid profile makes allowance for these criteria to a more effective degree. In particular, an optimised compromise is obtained between gliding and kick-off behaviour if the flank height in at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile is lower than in the middle portion or in the oppositely lying end portion of the climbing aid profile.

The advantage of the design defined in claim 2 is that the flank height of the step profiles varies depending on the zone. The effect or function of this running surface with respect to the different load states of a cross-country ski equipped with it is clearly perceptible to the user and thus can be better made use of. Furthermore, simplifications can be achieved in terms of production technology and a running surface based on this design can be manufactured as inexpensively as possible and with as low as possible a susceptibility to faults.

The embodiment defined in claim 3 is also of practical advantage because the flank height of the step profiles decreases in the direction towards at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile, and as a result of this one-directional or alternatively two-directional decrease in the flank height, better allowance can be made for the respective bending behaviour of the gliding board body, in particular the distribution of bending strength or the compression load on the gliding board body induced by the user. If the flank height reduces in one direction only, the end portion of the climbing aid profile which has a relatively low flank height is preferably disposed in the zone of the gliding board body which comes into contact with the snow relatively soon or early, in particular more frequently.

The design defined in claim 4 is also of advantage. Due to a symmetrical or approximately symmetrical increase or decrease in the flank heights of the step profiles by reference to the longitudinal direction of the climbing aid profile, allowance is made to a high degree for the usually arch-shaped pre-tensioning of the gliding board body as seen in side view. In particular, by positioning the climbing aid zone with the most intensive or most pronounced profiling in the part-portion with the maximum pre-tensioning height, in particular the part-portion of the shoe and binding mounting zone, greater resistance to backward sliding or kick-off is obtained when the relevant load is applied or when desired or necessary. In those part-portions of the gliding board body, in particular the transition portions between kick-off zone and gliding zone, it is preferable to provide lower flank heights relatively speaking, thereby resulting in an improved ratio between gliding behaviour and to backward sliding or frictional resistance.

As a result of the features defined in claim 5, a positively structured or pronounced climbing aid profiling is obtained which enables intensive clawing of the step profiles with respect to the ground, thereby affording increased kick-off resistance and improved resistance to backward sliding. The gliding zones or their gliding surfaces in front of and behind the climbing aid profile are primarily designed to ensure the best possible gliding behaviour, whereas the climbing aid profile in the direction of the usual direction of propulsion is intended to afford the least frictional resistance possible relative to the ground and a maximum kick-off resistance and as high as possible a resistance to backward sliding relative to the ground in the event of increased compression load.

Independently of a variation in the flank height or in combination with a variation in the flank height, the kick-off and gliding behaviour of the running surface and the ski equipped with it can also be improved as a result of the features defined in claim 6. In particular, due to a change in the ramp angle of the step profiles, decreasing or increasing by a specific amount by reference to the longitudinal extension of the climbing aid profiling, the frictional or gripping behaviour of the running surface relative to the longitudinal direction thereof can be optimally adapted to the bending characteristic values of the gliding board body and the various contact zones with the ground.

In this respect, a design such as that defined in claim 7 is of advantage because the climbing aid profile in portions where it is expedient to provide a high resistance to backward sliding affords improved resistance to backward sliding. Furthermore, the running surface or climbing aid profile in those portions which intersect or are able to function alternately as a gliding zone and climbing aid zone offer an optimum compromise between gliding behaviour and resistance to backward sliding.

However, the features defined in claim 8, which may also be construed as an independent inventive solution, also lead to an optimised ratio between kick-off behaviour and gliding ability, thereby also resulting in an improvement to overall performance of a ski of the generic type equipped with such a running surface. In particular, the step profiles disposed in the central portion of the climbing aid profile are more pointed, relatively speaking, than the step profiles disposed in the direction towards at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile.

The features defined in claim 9, which may also be construed as an independent inventive solution, also result in an optimised ratio between the gliding and kick-off behaviour of the running surface. In particular, a more optimised working transition between the gliding and kick-off phase can be obtained by a constant or intermittent or decreasing or increasing variation in the surface density of step profiles or rows of step profiles by reference to the longitudinal direction of the climbing aid profiling. In this respect, it is preferable to provide a relatively high surface density in the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile and this surface density decreases in the direction towards at least one of the oppositely lying end portions of the running surface.

Also of advantage is another embodiment defined in claim 10 which may also be construed as an independent solution because a climbing aid profile is obtained which caters more effectively for a plurality of different snow conditions. In particular, the combination of relatively smaller and larger step profiles results in better clawing and resistance to backward sliding more aptly suited to the respective snow conditions. Specifically, the relatively smaller steps or tooth profiles are able to penetrate relatively hard ground, for example in frozen snow surfaces, better than step profiles of larger dimensions. On the other hand, the relatively larger step profiles offer higher snow compaction and better kick-off resistance on soft ground, for example new snowfall, than the relatively smaller tooth or step profiles of the running surface.

As a result of the advantageous features defined in claim 11, the statistical probability of the step profiles regarded as optimum coming into contact with the respective underlying snow is increased.

Also of advantage are the features defined in claim 12 because the most intensive climbing aid structure or the climbing aid structure with the greatest resistance to sliding are disposed only in the middle longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile and only come into play when a resistance to backward sliding or a strong kick-off action is needed. Amongst other things, a high resistance to backward sliding is necessary when there is a strong, one-sided load or if an impulsive kick-off load of the gliding board body is induced by the user. During the gliding phase, when the two gliding board bodies of a pair of skis are subjected to a relatively uniform load, this relatively strong or intensive structuring advantageously does not come into contact with the ground or barely comes in to contact with it.

Also of advantage are the features defined in claim 13 because the maximum resistance to backward sliding and kick-off effect is concentrated in the portion of the climbing aid profile which is in contact with the snow during the kick-off phase. On the other hand, at least the end portion which may be in contact with the underlying snow both during the kick-off and during the gliding phase is less structured relatively speaking, so that it caters more effectively for opposite criteria with respect to gliding behaviour and gripping behaviour to a certain extent.

The features defined in claim 14 are of particular advantage. Firstly, the gliding behaviour of the climbing aid profiling with respect to the usual direction of propulsion of the gliding board body equipped with this running surface is enhanced as a result. In addition, a highly effective resistance to backward sliding can be obtained for a long time because the occurrence of wear in the region of the tooth tips of the step profiles is reduced. In other words, a good and durable resistance to backward sliding can be obtained for a longer time.

However, the objective of the invention is also achieved by a cross-country ski or similar generic ski as defined in claim 15. The advantages and technical effects offered by such a ski may be found in the description given above, in particular the details of the effects obtained on the basis of claim 1.

In this respect, the features defined in claim 16 and/or 17 are of advantage because the specified disposition of the respective climbing aid structures in the respective longitudinal portions of the gliding board body result in an optimised gliding and kick-off behaviour of the cross-country ski or similar generic ski.

To provide a clearer understanding, the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These are highly simplified, schematic diagrams illustrating the following:

FIG. 1 illustrates a ski of the generic type, in particular a cross-country ski, with a climbing aid profiling in the middle longitudinal portion of the running surface;

FIG. 2 shows a part-portion of the climbing aid profiling of a running surface;

FIG. 3 shows the running surface illustrated in FIG. 2 in section along line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section on a larger scale through the running surface illustrated in FIG. 2 corresponding to detail IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows detail V from FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows detail VI from FIG. 3, where there is relatively intensive climbing aid structuring;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a detail of a climbing aid profiling, in which the transition between two climbing aid zones may be seen;

FIG. 8 shows a climbing aid profiling of a running surface, which is of a symmetrical design by reference to a transverse plane and comprises several consecutive climbing aid zones with a varying climbing aid structure in the longitudinal direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts described in the different embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers and the same component names and the disclosures made throughout the description can be transposed in terms of meaning to same parts bearing the same reference numbers or same component names. Furthermore, the positions chosen for the purposes of the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., relate to the drawing specifically being described and can be transposed in terms of meaning to a new position when another position is being described. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed as independent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the invention in their own right.

All the figures relating to ranges of values in the description should be construed as meaning that they include any and all part-ranges, in which case, for example, the range of 1 to 10 should be understood as including all part-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 to the upper limit of 10, i.e. all part-ranges starting with a lower limit of 1 or more and ending with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

In FIG. 1 is a highly simplified side view of a generic, board-type gliding device, in particular a cross-country ski 1 or a so-called backcountry ski. For the sake of simplicity, reference will be made to cross-country skis 1 but the features proposed by the invention naturally also relate to so-called backcountry skis or mountaineering or touring skis.

In a manner known per se, a cross-country ski 1 comprises an elongate gliding board body 2, which primarily fulfils all the criteria of a cross-country ski 1 in terms of stiffness and strength. Disposed on the top face of the gliding board body 2 is a binding mechanism for releasably connecting a sports shoe as and when necessary. Provided on the bottom face of the gliding board body 2 is a running surface 3, which is primarily important in terms of permitting optimum gliding but also climbing and kick-off behaviour of the backcountry or cross-country ski 1.

The flexibility and stiffness characteristic curve of the cross-country ski 1 are also essential to the performance which can be achieved. In particular, the distribution of the stiffness is of great importance to the way it behaves during respective use or deployment. Above all, in order to obtain an optimum transition between the climbing or kick-off phase and the gliding phase of the cross-country ski 1, it is necessary for the flexibility of the cross-country ski 1 to be adapted to the propulsion technique and weight of the user of the cross-country ski 1.

A cross-country ski 1 of the generic type usually has a pre-tensioning height 4 and bending strength predefined by the design and construction. By pre-tensioning height 4 is meant the arch height which exists between the bottom face of a cross-country ski 1 when it is not being subjected to load and a horizontal, flat bearing plane of the cross-country ski 1. The pre-tensioning height 4 and the bending stiffness of the gliding device together with the gliding and friction or kick-off behaviour of the running surface 3 are essential in determining the performance of the cross-country ski 1. The bending stiffness and pre-tensioning height 4 determined by the design and construction are primarily obtained by selecting appropriate materials for the top belt and bottom belt of the gliding board body 2, their shape, cross-sectional geometry, lengths and also the nature of the connection between the individual components of the gliding board body.

In a manner known per se, the running surface 3 of so-called backcountry or cross-country skis 1, which is designed with a profiled climbing aid, has a climbing aid profile 6 within a part-portion 5 of its length which prevents backward sliding. This climbing aid profile 6 extends across approximately 20% to 70%, preferably across approximately 40%, of the length of the cross-country ski 1. The climbing aid profile 6 usually has a longitudinal extension of 40 cm to 100 cm, preferably approximately 70 cm, and the longitudinal extension of the climbing aid profile 6 will depend amongst other things on the length of the respective gliding board body 2. By reference to the longitudinal direction of the cross-country ski 1, at least one gliding zone 7, 8 is disposed respectively in front of and behind the part-portion 5 with the climbing aid profile 6, which affords the lowest possible frictional resistance with the respective ground, in particular snow surfaces. By contrast with the part-portion 5 incorporating the climbing aid profile 6, the running surface 3 within the front and rear gliding zones 7, 8 is relatively smooth and relatively finely structured, and in particular has a micro-structure. Whereas the part-portion 5 incorporating the climbing aid profile 6 is designed to afford the best possible grip with the underlying ground, in particular a clawing effect with the snow, in order to obtain a resistance to any backward sliding of the cross-country ski 1, the front and rear gliding zones 7, 8 are designed to create as little friction as possible with the underlying ground.

The running surface 3 for the gliding board body 2 may be made from a single piece or may be made up of several parts. For example, the part-portion 5 incorporating the climbing aid profile 6 to prevent backward sliding may be provided as a separate facing element, in which case at least one other facing element offering the highest possible gliding performance adjoins it at the oppositely lying ends.

The climbing aid profile 6 preventing backward sliding is preferably designed to prevent sliding in one direction, in particular backward sliding. In other words, the climbing aid profile 6 is designed to have the effect of preventing a backwards movement of the cross-country ski 1. By reference to the usual direction of propulsion, which runs from the rear end of the cross-country ski in the direction towards the so-called shovel of the cross-country ski 1, however, the climbing aid profile 6 is designed to have the best possible gliding ability and afford the lowest possible frictional resistance when in contact with the underlying ground.

The part-portion 5 incorporating the climbing aid profile 6 is disposed approximately in the region of the binding mounting zone and in the region of the standing surface for a user's shoe on the bottom face of the running surface 3. The relative positions and longitudinal and widthways extensions in FIG. 1 are shown purely as examples and should be regarded as schematic illustrations.

The climbing aid profile 6 is made up of a plurality of consecutive step profiles 9 in the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3. It is preferable if several step profiles 9 are also disposed one adjacent to one another transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3, in other words aligned with one another in the widthways direction of the running surface 3 as well. The climbing aid portion of the running surface 3 is therefore formed by a plurality of step profiles 9 disposed in a matrix-type pattern, in particular a plurality of rows and columns. At least individual ones of the step profiles 9 within the climbing aid profile 6 are laid out in a saw tooth or ramp-type arrangement by reference to a longitudinal section through the running surface 3.

The running surface 3 is provided in the form of a flat or board-type element, and the climbing aid profile 6 is disposed on the bottom face of the running surface 3 during use of the running surface 3. The top flat face 10 of the running surface 3—FIG. 3—is provided as a means of joining, in particular adhering, to the actual gliding board body 2, for example to the bottom belt or core of the cross-country ski 1.

An essential structural feature of the generic running surface 3 is that a flank height 11, 11′, 11″ of the saw tooth step profiles 9 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3 or measured at a right angle to the flat face 10 continuously or discontinuously decreases by reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3, as may be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 2 to 6, for example. By flank height 11, 11′, 11″ is meant essentially the effective tooth height or ramp height of the step profiles 9 in longitudinal section.

As may also best be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 2 to 6, the climbing aid profile 6 to prevent backward sliding in one advantageous embodiment comprises a first climbing aid zone and at least one other directly adjoining or adjacent climbing aid zone 12′, 12″ in the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3. The flank height 11 of the step profiles 9 within the first climbing aid zone 12 is therefore different from the flank height 11′, 11″ of the step profiles 9 disposed within the at least one adjacent climbing aid zone 12′, 12″. In FIG. 2, by reference to the usual direction of propulsion—arrow 13—essentially only the rear half of the climbing aid portion of the cross-country ski 1 is illustrated. The reason for this is to provide a better enlargement ratio or scale. As may be seen from the diagram shown in FIG. 2 in conjunction with FIGS. 4 to 6, flank height 11″ of the step profiles 9 within a middle or central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile 6 in one advantageous embodiment is bigger than the flank height 11, 11′ of the step profiles 9 in at least a distal end portion of the climbing aid profile 6.

Based on one practical embodiment, at least three climbing aid zones 12, 12′, 12″ are provided, each with different degrees of structuring or flank heights 11, 11′, 11″. By reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3, the step profiles 9 of the distal climbing aid zones 11, 11′, in particular those facing away from the centre, have a lower flank height 11, 11′, relatively speaking, than in the central climbing aid zone(s) 11″. In other words, the middle or central climbing aid zone 11″ preferably has step profiles 9 with the biggest flank height 11″ compared with the at least one adjacent climbing aid zone 11, 11′ in the longitudinal direction and thus represents the most intensive or most pronounced climbing aid profiling, whereas the flank height 11, 11′ of the climbing aid profiles 9 in the direction towards the two end portions or in the direction towards only one end portion of the climbing aid profile 6 decreases, either by zone and in stages or gradually, i.e. continuously.

It is therefore possible for the climbing aid zone 12″ with the more intensive structuring to extend uniformly from one end portion of the climbing aid profiling 6 across a first longitudinal portion, for example to approximately as far as the longitudinal mid-portion and then in the rest of the longitudinal portion to the second end of the climbing aid profiling 6, there may be a continuous or discontinuous decrease in the intensity of the climbing aid structure or flank height 11, 11′ of the step profiles 9.

As may best be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, gliding zones 7, 8 without climbing aid profiling forming gliding surfaces are provided respectively in front of and behind the climbing aid profile 6 by reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3, in other words without a scale profiling. These gliding zones 7, 8 make it possible to glide across the ground with as little friction as possible during the gliding phase of the cross-country ski 1 or winter sports device of a similar type. Especially when the user is applying as uniform a load as possible to the skis with both legs, the central part-portion 5 of the two skis, each of which is provided with the climbing aid profile 6, does not come into contact with the ground or does so as little as possible, and it is in this load state that primarily the front and rear gliding zones 7, 8 come into play. It is not until a one-sided load or impulsive load is applied to one individual ski of the generic skis used in pairs that the part-portion 5 incorporating the climbing aid profile 6 comes into play, in particular makes contact with the underlying snow.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, kick-off edges 14 at the tooth tips of the saw tooth step profiles 9 protrude from the gliding surface of at least one gliding zone 7, 8. This means that the kick-off edges 14 of the step profiles 9 project out from the plane in which the gliding surfaces lie. This enables the step profiles 9 of the climbing aid profile 6 to come into intensive contact with the respective underlying snow. In other words, a so-called positive climbing aid profile 6 is obtained, which has areas with a saw tooth shape that are raised above the gliding surfaces in the front and rear gliding zones 7, 8.

In one advantageous embodiment, a ramp angle 15, 15′, 15″ between a tooth back 16 of the saw tooth step profiles 9 and the rearward flat face 10 or a mounting plane of the running surface 3 increases or decreases continuously or discontinuously by reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3. It has proved to be of particular practical advantage if the ramp angle 15″ of the step profiles 9 in the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile 6 is bigger than the ramp angle 15, 15′ of the step profiles 9 in at least one of the distal end portions of the climbing aid profile 6. This means that the tooth back 16 of the step profiles 9 in the middle or central portion of the climbing aid profile 6 extends more steeply in the direction towards the core region of the running surface 3 than in at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile 6. In particular, the saw tooth step profiles 9 in the centre region of the climbing aid profile 6 are of a steeper design than in the end portions of the climbing aid profile 6 where the step profiles 9 are relatively flat and at the same time relatively shallow or low. Based on one practical embodiment, the ramp angle 15″ in the central part-portion of the climbing aid profile 6 is approximately 4°, whereas the ramp angle 15 in at least one of the end portions of the climbing aid profile is approximately 1°. The transition between these two ramp angles 15″, 15 may extend continuously or discontinuously. In the embodiment illustrated as an example, a discontinuous or sudden change in ramp angle 15″, 15′, 15 is provided and the ramp angle 15′ in the climbing aid zone 12′ lying in between is approximately 2°.

Accordingly, the step profiles 9 in the central longitudinal mid-portion of the climbing aid profile 6 are of a deeper and steeper design than in at least one of the two distal end portions of the climbing aid profile 6. In particular, it may be said that the profiling or flank height 11″, 11′, 11 of the step profiles 9 disappears gradually, given that the end portions of the climbing aid profile 6 merge into the gliding zones 7, 8 where there is no profiling to prevent backward sliding. The change in intensity of the climbing aid structure and the effect of the climbing aid by reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3 may essentially be based on a stepless design or may be staged in zones. The climbing aid profile 6 is preferably symmetrical or approximately symmetrical and the most pronounced structuring is disposed in the middle longitudinal portion, in other words it is here that the flank height 11″ is highest. In the direction towards the front and rear end portion of the climbing aid profile 6, the flank height 11′, 11 decreases in each case until this flank height finally peters out to zero and the climbing aid profile 6 merges into the flat or smooth gliding zones 7, 8.

Based on one practical embodiment, a wedge angle 18″ of the step profiles 9 disposed within the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile 6 subtended by the tooth back 16 and a tooth flank 17 of the saw tooth step profiles 9 is smaller than the wedge angle 18, 18′ of the step profiles 9 within at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile 6. In other words, the saw tooth step profiles 9 in the central longitudinal mid-portion of the climbing aid profile 6 are more pointed, relatively speaking, than they are in at least one distal end portion of the climbing aid profile 6. Based on one practical embodiment, the wedge angle 18″ in the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile 6 is approximately 88°, whereas the wedge angle 18 of the step profiles 9 in at least one of the distal end portions of the climbing aid profile is approximately 90°. Between these values, the transition between values may be abrupt or continuous. In particular, if a climbing aid zone 12′ is provided in between, the wedge angle 18′ may be approximately 89°.

In a manner known per se, the climbing aid profiling 6 is designed so that several step profiles 9 are disposed adjacent to one another, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3 and thus define at least one row 19 of several, adjacently disposed step profiles 9. In a known manner, a plurality of such rows 19 of step profiles 9 is provided by reference to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3. Mutually adjacent rows 19 of step profiles 9 are preferably arranged offset from one another by half the pitch distance between two adjacent step profiles 9, as illustrated in FIG. 2. This transverse offset by half the pitch distance between two adjacent rows 19 of step profiles 9 in the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3 is generally known.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, a distance 20, 20′, 20″ between the consecutive rows 19 of step profiles 9 in the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3 increases or decreases. In one practical embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a distance 20″ between consecutive rows 19 in the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile 6 is shorter, relatively speaking, than a distance 20, 20′ between consecutive rows 19 in at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile 6. In other words, within the central longitudinal mid-portion of the climbing aid profile 6, there is a higher surface density of rows 19 or step profiles 9, relatively speaking, than in at least one distal end portion of the climbing aid profile 6. In particular, in the middle portion of the climbing aid profile 6, there are more step profiles 9 per unit of surface area than in at least one of the distal end portions of the climbing aid profile 6 if the climbing aid profile 6 is based on a symmetrical or approximately symmetrical design by reference to a central transverse plane.

Based on another advantageous embodiment and an embodiment which may be construed as an independent solution proposed by the invention, at least one step profile 9′ within a row 19 of step profiles 9, 9′ extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface 3 is replaced by a group of several tooth profiles 21 to prevent backward sliding that are smaller in terms of surface area than the adjacent step profile 9, as may best be seen from FIG. 2.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example, a step profile 9 with a relatively large surface area is replaced by four tooth profiles 21 with a relatively smaller surface area. This means that the amount of space provided for a step profile 9 with a relatively large surface area is occupied by a group of several, relatively smaller tooth profiles 21, as illustrated in in FIG. 2 by way of example. It is of practical advantage if, within a row of step profiles 9, 9′, one saw tooth step profile with a relatively large surface area is alternated respectively with a group of several tooth profiles 21 with a relatively small surface area. Based on one expedient and practical embodiment, these groups of tooth profiles 21 with a relatively small surface area are disposed in the middle longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile 6. For example, a group of such tooth profiles 21 is formed by several, in particular four, tooth profiles 21 of a rectangular shape in plan view. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the tooth profiles 21 with a relatively small surface area and/or the step profiles 9 with a relatively large surface area may be also arranged in a plain tile pattern or scale pattern as seen in plan view.

As illustrated in FIG. 8. the central part-portion of the climbing aid profile 6, in particular the climbing aid zone 12″, has the most intensive or most pronounced structuring in terms of the step profiles 9, 9′. From this central longitudinal mid-portion of the climbing aid profile 6 where the most intensive or most pronounced structuring is disposed, the intensity or grip of the climbing aid profile 6 with respect to the ground decreases in the direction towards the two distal ends of the climbing aid profile 6, either continuously or discontinuously. This means that in the longitudinal mid-portion, the grip with respect to the underlying ground is the highest, whereas in the direction towards the oppositely lying ends, the grip of the climbing aid profile 6 decreases, either gradually or by zone, in particular in a stepped arrangement. In the embodiment illustrated as an example, there is a high resistance to backward sliding on the underlying snow in the longitudinal mid-portion, in particular in the central climbing aid zone 12″. In the adjoining part-portions 12′, the grip or resistance to backward sliding is medium. In the two outermost end portions of the climbing aid profile 6 which are characterised by the climbing aid zones 12, there is a relatively low grip or resistance to backward sliding on the underlying ground. The variation in this inhibiting factor can easily be influenced or defined by one or more of the features described above. The respective structural features of the running surface 3 may be designed so that they increase or decrease in one direction. However, it is preferable to provide a two-directional increase or decrease, starting from a longitudinal mid-portion of the climbing aid profiling 6, in one of the structural parameters described above in the direction towards the oppositely lying end portions of the climbing aid profiling 6, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 8.

Furthermore, the so-called gripping behaviour or the effect of the climbing aid profile 6 which prevents backward sliding can be influenced by a varying number of step profiles 9 in each row 19, 19′, 19″ provided. In order to obtain a relatively high resistance to backward sliding, it is of practical advantage to provide a relatively high number of step profiles 9 respectively 9′. This high number of step profiles 9, 9′ per row 19″ is expediently disposed in the middle longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile 6. In the direction towards at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile 6, it is possible to allow the number of step profiles 9 respectively 9′ to decrease. For example, it would be conceivable to provide approximately twelve step profiles 9, 9′ per row 19″ in the middle longitudinal portion, whereas in the region of the end portions of the climbing aid profile 6, it might be expedient to provide only eight step profiles 9, 9′, for example. In other words, the number of step profiles 9, 9′ per row 19″, 19′, 19 decreases continuously or discontinuously starting from the longitudinal mid-portion of the climbing aid profile 6 in the direction towards at least one distal end of the climbing aid profile 6.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, the tooth back 16 of a plurality of step profiles 9, 9′ is provided in the form of least two part-surfaces 22, 22′ disposed at an angle with respect to one another, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 7. The part-surface 22 lying closest to the tip of the saw tooth step profiles 9, 9′ is flatter, relatively speaking, by reference to the mounting plane or flat face 10 of the running surface 3 than the part-surface 22′ of the tooth back 16 adjoining it. Accordingly, the tooth tip of at least individual step profiles 9, 9′ is of a more or less flattened design, whereas the part-surface 22′ of the tooth backs 16 adjoining it extends relatively steeply by reference to the mounting plane or rear face 10 of the running surface 3. The part-surface 22 closest to the tooth tip therefore forms a flattened tooth tip or a tooth flat region 23. This enhances the gliding behaviour or gliding ability of the climbing aid profile 6 and also improves the durability and strength of the climbing aid profile 6. In particular, this prevents excessive or premature wear of the step profiles 9, 9′ and assures a long-term, efficient or ideal grip of the climbing aid profile 6. In other words, the gliding behaviour of the climbing aid profile 6 in the usual direction of propulsion—direction of propulsion 13—is improved on the one hand and a long-term, maintenance-free and effective resistance to backward sliding of the climbing aid profile 6 is obtained on the other hand.

Looking at FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, it is of practical advantage if the part-portion of the climbing aid profile 6 with the most intensive structuring or with the highest resistance to backward sliding, relatively speaking, in particular the climbing aid zone 12″, lies in the region of a transverse plane 24 of the gliding board body 2. In the region of this transverse plane 24, the gliding board body 2 has the highest arch or pre-tensioning height 4. By contrast, it is also of practical advantage if the at least one part-portion of the climbing aid profile 6 with the less pronounced structuring or with the weakest resistance to backward sliding, in particular defined by the climbing aid zone 12 respectively 12′, is disposed at a greater distance from the transverse plane 24 of the gliding board body 2 where it has the highest arch or pre-tensioning height 4.

The embodiments illustrated as examples represent possible variants of the running surface 6 and the generic ski, and it should be pointed out at this stage that the invention is not specifically limited to the variants specifically illustrated, and instead the individual variants may be used in different combinations with one another and these possible variations lie within the reach of the person skilled in this technical field given the disclosed technical teaching. Accordingly, all conceivable variants which can be obtained by combining individual details of the variants described and illustrated are possible and fall within the scope of the invention.

For the sake of good order, finally, it should be pointed out that, in order to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of the running surface 3 and the generic ski, they and their constituent parts are illustrated to a certain extent out of scale and/or on an enlarged scale and/or on a reduced scale.

The objective underlying the independent inventive solutions may be found in the description.

Above all, the individual embodiments of the subject matter illustrated in FIGS. 1; 2-6; 7; 8 constitute independent solutions proposed by the invention in their own right. The objectives and associated solutions proposed by the invention may be found in the detailed descriptions of these drawings 

1. A running surface for a ski, the running surface has a climbing aid profile to prevent backward sliding within a portion of its length, the climbing aid profile comprises a plurality of consecutive saw tooth step profiles in the longitudinal direction of the running surface, the saw tooth step profiles include a flank height extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface, and which are arranged to increase or decrease in the longitudinal direction of the running surface.
 2. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the climbing aid profile has a first climbing aid zone and at least one other consecutive climbing aid zone in the longitudinal direction of the running surface, and the flank height of the step profiles within the first climbing aid zone is different from the flank height of the step profiles within the at least one adjacent climbing aid zone.
 3. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flank height of the step profiles within a middle longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile is higher than the flank height of the step profiles in at least one distal end portion of the climbing aid profile.
 4. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least three climbing aid zones are provided, and the step profiles of distal climbing aid zones have a lower flank height than the step profiles in a central climbing aid zone.
 5. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gliding zones without step profiles constituting gliding surfaces are disposed respectively in front of and behind the climbing aid profile by reference to its longitudinal direction, and kick-off edges are provided on the saw tooth step profiles protruding out from the gliding surface of at least one gliding zone.
 6. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ramp angle between a tooth back of the saw tooth step profiles and a rearward flat face or mounting plane of the running surface increases or decreases in the longitudinal direction of the running surface.
 7. The running surface as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ramp angle of the step profiles in the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile is bigger than the ramp angle of the step profiles in at least one distal end portion of the climbing aid profile.
 8. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wedge angle of the step profiles disposed within the central longitudinal portions of the climbing aid profile subtended by a tooth flank and a tooth back of the saw tooth step profiles is smaller, relatively speaking, than the wedge angle of the step profiles within at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile.
 9. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein several step profiles are disposed adjacent to one another transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface and thus define a row of several adjacently disposed step profiles, and a plurality of such rows is provided in the longitudinal direction of the running surface, and a distance between consecutive rows in the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile is shorter, relatively speaking, than a distance between consecutive rows in at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile.
 10. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one step profile within a row of step profiles extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface is replaced by a group of several tooth profiles that are smaller than the adjacent step profile in terms of surface area to prevent backward sliding.
 11. The running surface as claimed in claim 10, wherein a saw tooth step profile with a relatively large surface area and a group of several tooth profiles with a relatively small surface area are respectively alternated in a row.
 12. The running surface as claimed in claim 10, wherein the groups of tooth profiles with a relatively small surface area are disposed exclusively in the middle longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile.
 13. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein several step profiles are disposed adjacent to one another transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface and thus define a row of several adjacently disposed step profiles, and a plurality of such rows is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the running surface, and the number of step profiles per row in the central longitudinal portion of the climbing aid profile is higher, relatively speaking, than the number of step profiles per row in at least one end portion of the climbing aid profile.
 14. The running surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tooth back of a plurality of step profiles is formed by at least two part-surfaces oriented at an angle with respect to one another, and the part-surface lying closest to the tooth tip is flatter by reference to the mounting plane or flat face of the running surface than the part-surface of the tooth back adjoining it.
 15. A ski, with an elongate gliding board body and a running surface disposed on its bottom face, wherein the running surface includes a climbing aid profile within a portion of its length, the climbing aid profile comprises a plurality of consecutive saw tooth step profiles in the longitudinal direction of the running surface, the saw tooth step profiles include a flank height extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the running surface, and which are arranged to increase or decrease in the longitudinal direction of the running surface.
 16. The ski as claimed in claim 15, wherein the portion of the climbing aid profile with the most intensive structuring or with the highest resistance to backward sliding lies in the region of a transverse plane of the gliding board body where the gliding board body has the highest arch or pre-tensioning height.
 17. The ski as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one part-portion of the climbing aid profile with the least pronounced structuring or with the lowest resistance to backward sliding is disposed at a distance from a transverse plane of the gliding board body in which it has the highest arch or pre-tensioning height. 